I would like to get the 2GB Mobile broadband internet service.

Hi Wondwossen,

I'm not sure exactly what 2GB mobile broadband plan you're after, but really, for the purpose of your question, the exact plan is irrelevant. Instead, let's talk about exactly what mobile broadband is, how "available" it can ever be, and whether or not it's suitable for your needs.

Click here for the best mobile broadband plans.

To start with, it's important to know the difference between mobile broadband and an ADSL2+ connection. Mobile broadband connects to the internet via a mobile phone tower, broadcasting a signal out and back. As a result, just like your mobile phone, sometimes reception is really good, and sometimes it's really bad. Very frequently, mobile broadband users complain about slow speeds and lots of drop outs. Click here to read more about why mobile broadband can be so slow, and what you can do about it.

In contrast, an ADSL2+ connection is called a fixed line connection because it goes through a copper line that goes from your house to your local telephone exchange. Speed depends upon your distance from the telephone exchange, but is generally pretty fast, and the internet connection should be reliable all the time.

Click here for the best ADSL2+ plans.

The differences between the two connections mean that there is a very different way of being able to tell just how "available" the service is. When you sign up for a fixed line connection, the provider you speak to checks your location on the map, checks the infrastructure around your area, and runs tests on your copper line to be sure that it can carry the connection. That is what makes them able to give you a pretty good idea of how fast the internet speed in your area will be, and that it will be reliable.

When it comes to mobile broadband, though, all any provider can do is check and see if there's a mobile phone tower that carries their network in your vicinity. If so, they will go ahead and tell you that yes, the service is available, but there is no way to guarantee the quality of the product you'll be getting. Mobile broadband can be affected by your distance from the tower, the time of day, how many other people are online, whether there are any major obstacles like buildings or even trees in the way of you and the mobile phone tower, and even the weather. It is never going to be reliable, and just because a provider tells you that mobile broadband is "available" in your area, this doesn't mean that it's going to be a great connection for you.

Mobile broadband can be very useful as a portable option, because you can take it with you anywhere and it will, more or less, work. But as your main internet connection it can be frustrating and useless, and it's not something that we recommend. It's better to get an ADSL2+ plan with options for a light user, from a provider like TPG (1300 106 571) or Dodo (1300 136 793).

If you're set on mobile broadband, you can call the following providers and ask them how good the coverage is in your area. But don't be angry with your provider if you find that the speed and reliability of your connection leaves a lot to be desired – more often than not, it is one of any number of factors that your provider can't control that is affecting your speed.

Virgin: 1300 106 571
Amaysim: 1300 302 942
Optus: 1300 137 897

I hope this helps! If you have any further questions, feel free to give us a call on 1300 106 571.

Mikaella.